High-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility and wealth protection often turn to EU residency-by-investment programs.
This guide compares the Portugal Golden Visa and Spain Golden Visa, breaking down their investment options, residency rules, and long-term value to help you choose the right path for your family with support from VIDA Capital.
Why EU Residency Matters as a Backup Plan for HNWIs
Global uncertainty, from economic shifts to political changes, pushes high-net-worth individuals to seek multiple residency options.
Having a backup plan in the EU offers more than just a place to go. It provides access to stable economies, strong legal systems, and quality social services. For families, it means top-tier education and career opportunities, plus the security of knowing you have options during crises.
EU residency also benefits future generations. A passport from an EU country gives your children and grandchildren the freedom to live, work, and study in the country you reside, along with healthcare and other social advantages. This long-term value makes these programs a key part of wealth planning.
Portugal’s Golden Visa program reflects this demand, with investment nearing €9 billion by late 2025, showing its appeal to investors seeking a reliable route to European residency.
Investment Options: Comparing Capital Security in Golden Visa Programs
Portugal Golden Visa: Asset-Backed Funds for Economic Impact
Portugal’s Golden Visa prioritizes investments that support the country’s growth while offering security to investors. The minimum investment through qualifying funds stands at €500,000, focusing on approved private equity or venture capital funds in Portugal.
Fund investments bring clear benefits. They often tie to tangible assets like operating businesses, adding a layer of value protection. VIDA Capital helps investors access the VIDA Fund, which targets Portugal’s growing hospitality sector by acquiring undervalued assets and turning them into high-value opportunities through an owner-operator model.
Portugal’s hospitality market shows strong potential. Ranked 7th safest globally in the 2025 Global Peace Index, the country welcomed 31 million tourists in 2024. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting expected to generate over €800 million in economic impact, this sector’s outlook remains positive for investors.
Spain Golden Visa: Program Ended For New Applicants
Spain’s Golden Visa program, including all investment routes (property, capital, or other), was officially terminated for new applicants on 3 April 2025. No new applications can be submitted for the €500,000 property route, the €1 million capital investment route, or any other previously available options.
Residency Rules and Citizenship Paths: Key Differences
Portugal Golden Visa: Low Stay Requirements and Citizenship Access
Portugal’s Golden Visa offers unmatched flexibility with a stay requirement of just 14 days every two years. This allows investors to maintain their current lifestyle, business, and family obligations while working toward EU citizenship.
Under new rules from October 2025, citizenship requires 10 years of residency, or 7 years for CPLP and EU nationals. Notably, Portugal stands out as one of the few European countries where you can gain citizenship without relocating. In contrast, Spain requires 10 years of living there with tax obligations, and Greece demands 7 years under similar conditions.
Family inclusion adds further appeal. Spouses, dependent children, and parents or in-laws over 65 or financially dependent can join the application, ensuring a full family solution for residency and citizenship.
Spain Golden Visa: Flexible Stay but Longer Citizenship Timeline
For those who managed to apply before the program ended, Spain’s Golden Visa doesn’t enforce a minimum stay for renewal, suiting those not planning to relocate. However, tax residency requires spending at least 183 days per year in Spain, which may not fit investors focused on business or life elsewhere.
Citizenship typically takes 10 years of legal residence, though some nationalities may qualify earlier. Check official guidelines to confirm eligibility based on your background.
Portugal’s low 14-day requirement over two years often makes it a more practical choice for investors wanting a secondary residency without major life changes.
Application Process: Navigating the Golden Visa Journey
Portugal Golden Visa: Clear Steps with Expert Support
The Portugal Golden Visa process, spanning 12 to 18 months, follows a structured path. Having a lawyer by your side is essential to handle documentation and compliance at every stage.
Initial steps include securing legal representation, getting a Portuguese tax ID (NIF), opening a local bank account, and completing the €500,000 investment. VIDA Capital connects investors with trusted law firms and guides them through the investment via the VIDA Fund.
After the investment, your lawyer submits the application online for you and your family. Once approved by AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority, you’ll attend an in-person biometric appointment. The temporary residency permit, valid for 2 years, arrives next.
You’ll renew it for two additional 2-year periods, maintaining the investment and stay requirements over the 5-year period before applying for permanent residency or citizenship. As the approval card issuance usually takes a year, you’ll most likely only need a single renewal instead of two in this timeframe.
VIDA Capital enhances this journey with dedicated support, staying reachable through various channels, including weekends, to ensure a smooth experience.
Spain Golden Visa: Process and Requirements
Spain’s Golden Visa process shared similar documentation needs, like proving the investment and providing clean criminal records. The steps varied based on the chosen investment type.
How VIDA Capital Supports Your Portugal Golden Visa Journey
VIDA Capital offers full-spectrum guidance for the Portugal Golden Visa, from first steps to residency and beyond. The firm links investors to asset-backed opportunities in Portugal’s hospitality sector through the VIDA Fund.
Transparency defines VIDA Capital’s approach. They prioritize your needs, even suggesting alternatives like the D7 visa or advising against the Golden Visa if it doesn’t suit your goals. This builds trust with discerning investors.
The VIDA Fund targets undervalued hospitality assets in Portugal, aiming to double investor capital over 6.5 years by transforming these into high-value properties. Managed by a team with over €4 billion in asset experience and 100+ private equity deals, the fund combines deep expertise with Golden Visa eligibility.
Investor security is a priority. The VIDA Fund adheres to strict Portuguese regulations, including bi-annual Deloitte audits, ensuring clarity and compliance for significant investments.
One investor shared, “VIDA presented a strong investment plan led by a skilled hospitality team. Maria and Alex consistently exceeded expectations, supported by a network of reliable immigration experts. I feel part of a trusted community.”
Common Questions About Golden Visas for EU Residency
What Does Portugal’s Golden Visa Offer?
Portugal’s Golden Visa grants EU residency to non-EU investors through a €500,000 minimum investment in approved funds. You receive a temporary residency permit for 2 years, renewable for two more 2-year periods. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years (or 7 for CPLP/EU nationals), citizenship is an option. The program requires just 14 days in Portugal every 2 years and allows family inclusion, covering spouses, dependent children, and qualifying parents.
Do I Need to Move to Portugal for the Golden Visa?
No, relocating to Portugal isn’t necessary for the Golden Visa. You only need to spend 14 days there every 2 years. This flexibility lets you keep your current lifestyle and business commitments while pursuing residency and citizenship. With the visa, you can live, work, and study in Portugal, plus travel visa-free in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Full EU-wide rights come only with citizenship after 10 years.
How Long Until Citizenship via Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Under October 2025 legislation, citizenship through Portugal’s Golden Visa requires 10 years of residency, or 7 years for CPLP and EU nationals, starting from your initial permit. You’ll need basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level), a clean criminal record, and ties to the community. The 14-day stay rule applies throughout, balancing connection to Portugal with flexibility for global investors.
Is Spain’s Golden Visa Program Closing?
Yes, the program was officially terminated for new applications on 3 April 2025. Golden Visa programs across Europe face ongoing policy reviews. Investors should act quickly and consult advisors familiar with current regulations to secure residency options.
Why Opt for Fund Investments in Portugal’s Golden Visa?
Fund investments for Portugal’s Golden Visa offer distinct advantages. They provide professional management and spread risk across diverse Portuguese-based assets, with at least 60% of the portfolio tied to local companies. Asset-backed funds, especially in hospitality, add tangible security. They also free you from direct operational duties, and strict regulatory oversight by CMVM ensures compliance and regular audits, making them a practical choice for capital protection and residency goals.
What Sets VIDA Capital Apart for Portugal Golden Visa Investors?
VIDA Capital stands out with personalized, transparent guidance for high-net-worth investors. They focus on your best interests, offering alternatives if the Golden Visa doesn’t fit. Their concierge support spans the entire process, backed by a network of trusted immigration experts. The VIDA Fund targets Portugal’s hospitality sector, transforming undervalued assets with a skilled team. Rigorous compliance, including bi-annual Deloitte audits, ensures security and clarity for your investment.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Ideal EU Residency Path
Comparing Portugal and Spain’s Golden Visa programs highlights Portugal’s edge with low stay requirements, asset-backed fund options, and a citizenship path without relocation. Its focus on economic contributions, stable environment, and EU position makes it a strong choice for families seeking flexible residency solutions.
For investors focused on capital safety, Portugal’s fund investments bring professional oversight and tangible backing. You can maintain your current life while securing EU residency and citizenship access. Spain’s program ended for new applicants on 3 April 2025.
VIDA Capital’s expertise in asset-backed hospitality investments through the VIDA Fund aligns immigration and financial objectives, offering clear guidance and support for Portugal Golden Visa applicants.
